OF >"01{THl'ilI3EKLAXD AXD DUllHAM. 69 



slightly marked with transverse dusky bars ; similar bars, but 

 more obscure, are iDerccptible on the head and neck. 



G5. SAXICOLA, Bechstein. 



SaxicoJa JEnantJie, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 1., 173. 

 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Bii-ds, Ed. 2, L, 276. 



A spring-and-aiitumu migrant, arriving at the latter end of 

 March, and appearing on the coast in September, preparatory to 

 leaving. At this time the male, female, and young have all as- 

 siimed their brown livery ; on their return, in March, the males 

 are all conspicuously attired in their gay nuptial dress. This 

 striking change is the result of the marginal abrasion of the fea- 

 thers, revealing their black and white bases. 



A few years ago, this beautiful migrant nested frequently on 

 the ]S"cwcastle Town Moor, in the tiirf '' dykes" surrounding the 

 " intakes." It is stated in Harting's Handbook that a few occa- 

 sionally remain in England and Scotland. I liaA'C never known 

 the ^Tieatear to Avintcr with us. 



06. PRATIXCOLA. Korh. 

 74. "Whixciiat. p. iirBETEA, iLiniucm). 



SaxicoJa nthcira, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 175. 

 ,, ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, L, 272. 



Common in both counties. A spring - and - autumn migrant, 

 arriving in March. The male, in the breeding season, be- 

 comes a little more brilliant in colour than in its fi'eshly moulted 

 plumage, in consequence of the abrasion of the margins of the 

 feathers. 



It is difficult to say why this bird has been named Whinchat, 

 for it never breeds in the "whin" or furze, and shows no par- 

 tiality to it. In some parts of Durham it is called the Hay chat, 

 aild it is constantly met with in hay fields. 



